Patrick Cowley: Primitive World (Hifi Sean Remixes)

Hi-NRG synth pioneer Patrick Cowley moved away from his usual robotic steeliness on 1982's 'Primitive World,' drawing instead on the groove rock of early 1970s gay discos. It's a percussion track influenced by Babatunde Olatunji's 1959 hit 'Jin-Go-Lo-Ba,' made more famous by Santana's 1969 cover. Cowley updated the sound for the 1980s with electronics and drum machines but kept the playful attitude of the original. Two choirs of voices chant back and forth to each other, giving Cowley a chance to include many of his friends from the San Francisco dance music community. This has been DJ Hifi Sean's year, with a best-selling album with David McAlmont, countless live gigs and high-profile remixes to his name. His interpretation of Cowley's 'Primitive World' can be counted among his best, bringing an intense TB-303 acid house vibe that perfectly complements Cowley's weird electronic blips and bleeps. The effect is a disorienting mix of psychedelic 70's groove, 80s synth pop, and 90s tac